Transport for London could crack down on Uber in taxi consultation

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Javid added: “What I personally would be looking for is I’m not interested in heavy handed regulation here. I want to make sure that consumers are put first in terms of any sort of assessment about these types of services.”

When asked whether he would step in to remedy the situation if TfL comes down hard against Uber, Sajid said: “I have made my thoughts clear. As a government we welcome innovation and we welcome ‘disruptive technology’. And I wouldn’t want to see anything done that jeopardies our status as a country that welcomes investment and jobs, and puts consumers first.”

TfL has said it is considering bringing in measures, such as a five-minute delay for anybody wanting to hire an Uber car, with the objective of upholding a two-tier system in the capital where black-cab drivers, who undergo rigorous training to receive a TfL operating licence, have greater privileges than their rivals.

Uber responded to news of the consultation by launching a petition, signed by around 130,000 people, urging the regulator to maintain a light touch. London is one of the US company’s fastest growing markets.

Uber fires back in high court row with TfL

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Javid was clear where his loyalties lie, in contrast to Boris Johnson, who as mayor of London oversees TfL, who has appeared in recent weeks to show greater sympathy for the capital’s black-cab drivers.

Uber is also awaiting the verdict in a high court case brought by TfL to determine whether its app breaks the law, by effectively acting as a meter, which could come as soon as Friday.